Method and apparatus for image collection and analysis

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that can detect an event, access location information for a group of mobile communication devices that are each automatically capturing images, and identify a subset of the group of mobile communication devices that are in proximity to the event based on the location information. The processor can provide first image analysis criteria to the subset of the group of mobile communication devices without providing the first image analysis criteria to remaining devices of the group of mobile communication devices where the first image analysis criteria includes first characteristics associated with an object. The processor can receive a first target image that includes the object from a first mobile communication device of the subset of the group of mobile communication devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/131,193, filed Apr. 18, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/797,484, filed Jul. 13, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,349,051), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/039,690, filed Sep. 27, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,111,143), all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for imagecollection and analysis.

BACKGROUND

Information surrounding an event is often sought after the fact invarious situations, such as when a crime has been committed or isongoing, following a natural disaster, and so forth. Such informationcan provide answers to causes or contributing factors to the event and,in some instances, can assist in resolving an ongoing event, such as akidnapping. Eyewitness accounts are often sought for such events but theaccuracy of the accounts can sometimes be questionable, particularlywhere witnesses don't remember what they saw or just weren't payingattention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide media services including distributing image content;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method operating inportions of the systems described in FIGS. 1-2;

FIGS. 4-5 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide media services including distributing image content;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication deviceutilized in the communication systems of FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments of a method and system for automatically capturing content(e.g., video, still images and/or audio) and analyzing that content toidentify whether an event has been captured by the content. The eventcan be various types of occurrences including crimes, terroristactivity, natural disasters, amber alerts, and can include various typesof entities or objects for which information is sought such as a person,a vehicle, a device, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the capturing of the content can beperformed by a group of devices, such as mobile and/or fixedcommunication devices, and analysis of the content can be performed byeach of the communication devices locally based on search criteriareceived from a remote server and/or received from other communicationdevices. In one or more embodiments, the remote server can send thesearch criteria to a subset of the communication devices based on devicelocation information corresponding to a known or estimated location ofthe event. The automatic collection and analysis of the captured contentcan enable law enforcement or other entities to obtain informationconcerning a particular event, such as in a potential kidnapping where acar is involved and whose whereabouts is being sought.

One or more of the exemplary embodiments can include a mobile devicehaving functionality and/or an application that utilizes existingcameras on mobile phones, that collect (e.g., periodically,continuously, according to a user generated schedule, and so forth)still photographs or video from these cameras and/or audio, and storesthe captured content, such as to a buffer. In one or more embodiments,the buffer can have a finite size and can be overwritten when the bufferis full. The automatic content capture allows the owner to reviewimagery previously collected and also allows software to automaticallyscan the imagery or audio via image and/or audio pattern recognition tofind object(s) of interest that match one or more search criteria (e.g.,sample images, sample audio, written description of an object and soforth). In one or more embodiments, the “a priori” collection of imageryor audio allows one to have an automatic capture without needing theuser invoke a capture. In one or more embodiments, a user can opt tomake this archive part of a search cloud for specified searchers and fora specified time. For example, authorized searchers can provide scancriteria to the mobile device which, in turn, searches through all ofthe imagery or audio to find matches. Then, matched imagery and/or audiocan be sent to the authorized searcher, such as via wirelessconnectivity. Other embodiments are contemplated by the subjectdisclosure.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure is a method that includescapturing first images by a first mobile communication device of a groupof mobile communication devices, where the capturing is performedautomatically by the first mobile communication device subject torecording limitations designated based on user input, and where a secondmobile communication device of the group of mobile communication devicesautomatically captures second images. The method can include receiving,by the first mobile communication device, first image analysis criteriaincluding first characteristics associated with an object, wherein thefirst image analysis criteria is received from a remote server thatprovides the first image analysis criteria to a subset of the group ofmobile communication devices without providing the first image analysiscriteria to remaining devices of the group of mobile communicationdevices, wherein the subset includes the first and second mobilecommunication devices. The method can include applying, by the firstmobile communication device, image pattern recognition to the firstimages according to the first image analysis criteria to identify afirst target image that includes the object. The method can includedetermining, by the first mobile communication device, second imageanalysis criteria from the first target image, wherein the second imageanalysis criteria includes second characteristics associated with theobject. The method can include providing, by the first mobilecommunication device, the second image analysis criteria to the secondmobile communication device to enable the second mobile communicationdevice to perform image pattern recognition on the second imagesaccording to the second image analysis criteria to identify a secondtarget image that includes the object.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure is a method that includesdetecting, by a system including a processor, an event. The methodincludes accessing, by the system, location information for a group ofmobile communication devices that are each automatically capturingimages, and identifying, by the system, a subset of the group of mobilecommunication devices that are in proximity to the event based on thelocation information. The method includes providing, by the system,first image analysis criteria to the subset of the group of mobilecommunication devices without providing the first image analysiscriteria to remaining devices of the group of mobile communicationdevices, where the first image analysis criteria includes firstcharacteristics associated with an object. The method includesreceiving, by the system, a first target image that includes the objectfrom a first mobile communication device of the subset of the group ofmobile communication devices, where the first target image is selectedby the first mobile communication device from among a plurality ofimages captured by the first mobile communication device based on firstimage pattern recognition performed by the first mobile communicationdevice utilizing the first image analysis criteria. The method includesdetermining, by the system, second image analysis criteria from thefirst target image, wherein the second image analysis criteria includessecond characteristics associated with the object. The method includesproviding, by the system, the second image analysis criteria to thesubset of the group of mobile communication devices to enable the subsetof the group of mobile communication devices to perform second imagepattern recognition on the images according to the second image analysiscriteria to identify a second target image that includes the object.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a computer-readablestorage device including computer instructions which, responsive tobeing executed by a processor of a first mobile communication device,cause the processor to perform operations including capturing firstimages automatically subject to recording limitations designated basedon user input, where the first mobile communication device is of a groupof mobile communication devices. The processor can receive first imageanalysis criteria including first characteristics associated with anobject, where the first image analysis criteria comprises textdescribing the first characteristics associated with the object withoutproviding an image sample of the object, where the first image analysiscriteria is received from a remote server that provides the first imageanalysis criteria to a subset of the group of mobile communicationdevices without providing the first image analysis criteria to remainingdevices of the group of mobile communication devices, and where thesubset includes the first mobile communication device. The processor canapply image pattern recognition to the first images according to thefirst image analysis criteria to identify a first target image thatincludes the object. The processor can determine second image analysiscriteria from the first target image, wherein the second image analysiscriteria includes second characteristics associated with the object,where the second image analysis criteria comprises the image sample ofthe object. The processor can provide the second image analysis criteriato a second mobile communication device to enable the second mobilecommunication device to perform image pattern recognition on imagescaptured by the second mobile communication device according to thesecond image analysis criteria to identify a second target image thatincludes the object.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 100for delivering or otherwise distributing captured content. The contentcan be of various formats including still images, video and/or audiocontent. System 100 can include a group of communication devicesincluding mobile device 110 and mobile devices 120. While the exemplaryembodiment is described with respect to a group of mobile devices, itshould be understood that one or more of the mobile devices can be fixeddevices that are capable of wireless and/or wired communications.

Mobile device 110 can automatically collect content without userintervention. For example, the mobile device 110 can capture imagesperiodically (e.g., an image captured every 2 seconds). Other schedulesfor capturing content can also be utilized, such as random capturing orat varying intervals. The content is not limited to images, and caninclude video and/or audio. In this example, mobile device 110 can be inthe vicinity of an event 140 which is a sports car driving past themobile device. Based on the automatic capturing of content, images 145can be captured where one or more include the event 140. The automaticcontent capturing can be performed automatically subject to one or morerecording limitations. The recording limitations can be designated basedon user input and/or determined based on other factors, such asmonitored history of usage of the mobile device, user preferences from auser profile associated with the mobile device, subscriber accountinformation, resource capabilities (e.g., monitored battery power), andso forth. The recording limitations can include time limitations, suchas start and/or stop times (e.g., a window of time during the day inwhich capturing is to be automatically performed). The recordinglimitations can also include storage capacity thresholds (e.g., amaximum amount of storage that is to be utilized by the collectedcontent before overwriting of the collected content commences).

In one embodiment, the recording limitations can be based on detectedactivity associated with the mobile device 110. For example, the mobilecommunication device 110 can detect an undesired recording condition andcan suspend the capturing of the content during the undesired recordingcondition. For example, the mobile communication device 110 can detectan undesired recording condition and can suspend the capturing of thecontent during the undesired recording condition. The undesiredrecording condition can be lighting conditions, movement of the mobiledevice 110, an ongoing communication session at the mobile device (e.g.,telephone call, internet surfing, video-on-demand playback, and soforth). The detecting of the undesired recording condition can beperformed based on various sensors such as a lighting sensor, a movementor orientation sensor (e.g., an accelerometer or gyroscope) and soforth.

In one embodiment, image analysis criteria 155 can be received by themobile device 110 (and/or one or more of the mobile devices 120) so thatmobile device 110 can perform pattern recognition (e.g., image patternrecognition and/or audio pattern recognition on the capture contentstored at the memory device. The criteria 155 can be provided to asubset of mobile devices that have been automatically capturing contentbased on a number of factors. For example, the criteria 155 can beprovided to mobile devices that a located in proximity to an event forwhich content is sought. Other factors, such as device capability,capture schedules of devices and so forth can be used in determining thesubset of devices to receive the criteria 155. In one embodiment, thecriteria 155 can be transmitted (e.g., via unicast, multicast and/orbroadcast) to the subset of mobile devices, which can be any number ofdevices among the group of devices. The criteria 155 can be in variousformats. For example, the criteria 155 can be a description of the eventsuch as “a gray sports car.” The criteria 155 can be in other formats,such as a sample image or sample audio. In one embodiment, differentcriteria 155 can be sent to different devices of the group of devices,such as sending a written description to a first subset of the devicesand sending a sample image to a second subset of the devices. The use ofdifferent criteria for different devices can be based on various factorssuch as location of the devices, capabilities of the devices, and soforth.

In the example of system 100, the criteria 155 enables mobile device 110to perform image pattern recognition on the images 145 to identify oneor more target images that have captured the event 140 (i.e., an imageof the sports car described in criteria 155). It should be understoodthat the event 140 can be any type of event capable of being captured inimage, video and/or audio content. Based on the identification of thetarget image that has captured event 140, the mobile device 110 cangenerate and transmit analysis criteria 160 to one or more otherdevices, such as mobile devices 120. The criteria 160 enables the mobiledevices 120 to perform pattern recognition, such as image patternrecognition, on their own stored collection of captured content 125 todetermine if they have any target images that capture the event 140. Inthis example, each of these other mobile devices 120 may have been inproximity to the event 140 at different times or at the same time. Inone embodiment, the mobile device 110 can provide the analysis criteria160 to the devices 120 without providing the criteria to the remoteserver 150. In another embodiment, the criteria 160 can be transmittedto the mobile devices 120 via the remote server 150, such as the mobiledevice 110 first transmitting the criteria 160 back to the remote serverso that the remote server can identify the mobile devices 120 (e.g.,based on device location information) and can then multicast thecriteria 160 to the selected devices 120.

Other techniques for distribution of the criteria for patternrecognition by the subset of devices can also be utilized. For example,a seed query such as “looking for a gray sport car” can be multicast toa subset of mobile devices that have a location within a distancethreshold of the event 140. Based on the seed query, the subset ofdevices (which can include device 110 and devices 120) cansimultaneously perform image pattern recognition to identify targetimages capturing the event 140. In one embodiment, the device 110 andthe devices 120 can share their target images amongst themselves foradditional pattern recognition against each devices' stored collectionof content. Identified target images can then be transmitted back to theremote server 150.

In one or more embodiments, the target images collected from multipledevices of the group of mobile devices can be used for generating amosaic or composite of the event 140. The mosaic or composite can be invarious formats, such as three-dimensional imagery. The mosaic orcomposite can be generated based on stitching together various forms ofcontent such as image, video and/or audio.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 200for delivering or otherwise distributing captured content. System 200can be a part of system 100 or can operate independently of system 100.The content can be of various formats including still images, videoand/or audio content. System 200 can include the mobile device 110 whichreceives the analysis criteria 155 for performing pattern recognition onthe stored collection of content 145. As explained above, in thisexample, the analysis criteria 155 includes a description (e.g., atext-based message) of the event 140, although the analysis criteria canbe in other forms such as sample imagery, sample audio, and combinationsthereof (including combinations of samples and descriptions). While theexemplary embodiment is described with respect to a mobile device, itshould be understood that the mobile device 110 could also be a fixeddevice that is capable of wireless and/or wired communications. In thisexample, the content collection 145 is stored in the memory of themobile device 110, however, other embodiments can store the contentcollection 145 (or portions thereof) at other locations, such as one ormore remote locations (e.g., a digital video recorder).

In one embodiment, archiving of the content collection 145 can beperformed, such as when a storage threshold is received, where thearchiving includes transmitting archived content to a remote storagelocation associated with the mobile device 110. In this example, thearchived content collection can be retrieved or otherwise accessed bythe mobile device 110, such as responsive to receiving the analysiscriteria 155, so that the mobile device can perform the patternrecognition. In one or more embodiments, selection of the storagelocation for the content collection 145 (or a portion thereof) can bebased on user preferences or other criteria, such as available storageat particular devices associated with the mobile device 110, proximityto another storage device, whether the storage device is currently inuse, and so forth. As an example, a mobile device 110 can automaticallycapture image content and can archive the image content once the storagethreshold for the mobile device 100 has been reached. The storage devicefor the archiving can be selected based on a proximity of the mobiledevice 110 to a storage device associated with the mobile device 110 sothat short-range communications can be used for archiving of the storagecontent. For instance, the mobile device 110 can archive collectedcontent to a digital video recorder of a vehicle in which the user ofthe mobile device 110 is presently riding in response to the storagethreshold of the mobile device being reached.

Mobile device 110 can include a scoring application or function 210 thatenables the mobile device to generate an accuracy score for targetimages that were identified from the image collection 145 during theimage pattern recognition. This example describes the content as beingimages, however, the content can be video and/or audio, in which case anaccuracy score can also be generated for such identified target content.The accuracy score can be a prediction or other estimate of how well theidentified target images satisfy the analysis criteria or otherwiseprovide the desired results. A number of factors (which can be weightedor considered independently) can be included in determining the accuracyscore, such as location information for the mobile device (e.g., imagestaken closed to the estimated location of the event can be more heavilyweighted), type of content (e.g., video can be weighted higher than animage which is weighted higher than audio), quality of content (lowresolution or poor lighting conditions can receive a lower weighting),and so forth. In one embodiment, the analysis criteria 155 can include agroup of match points and satisfying more of the match points can resultin a higher accuracy score. For example, the analysis criteria 155 canbe a written description as follows: “a female driving a gray corvettesports car with a tan roof and a blonde girl in the passenger seat.” Inthis example, the written description can be broken up into thefollowing match points: 1) a female driver, 2) a gray car, 3) a sportscar, 4) a corvette, 5) a tan roof, 6) a passenger, 7) a girl passenger8) a blonde girl. Target images identified from the content collection145 by the mobile device 110 can then be score based on the number ofthe matching points that are in each of the target images.

The accuracy scoring function 210 can be used to prioritize targetimages. For instance, an order of transmission of the target images 220,230, 240 can be selected based on the highest to lowest accuracyscoring. The accuracy scoring function 210 can also be used forprioritizing of other processes. For example, the mobile device 110 canidentify target images 220, 230 and 240 and provide an accuracy scorefor each of these target images. The target images can be distributed toother mobile devices (as analysis criteria) so that the other mobiledevices (e.g., devices 120) can perform pattern recognition on their owncaptured collection of content. The accuracy scorings for each of thetarget images 220, 230, and 240 can be used by each of the other mobiledevices 120 to determine the order in which each target image is goingto be used during the image pattern recognition. In one or moreembodiments, the identified target content can be different types ofcontent such as an image, a video and audio that are all sent to theremote server 150 based on a prioritized order.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative method 300 that operates in portions ofthe devices of FIGS. 1-3. Method 300 can begin with step 302 in whichcontent, such as images, video and/or audio, is captured automaticallyby one or more communication devices, including mobile and/or fixeddevices. The capturing of the content can be performed without the needfor user intervention. In one embodiment at 304, the capturing of thecontent can be performed automatically subject to one or more recordinglimitations. The recording limitations can be of various types, such astime limitations as to when the capturing is performed (e.g., a starttime and stop time during the day), how often to capture content (e.g.,number of images per minute), and/or permitted or prohibited locationsfor capturing content (e.g., authorizing capture outdoors butprohibiting capture in a user's home). The recording limitations can bebased on detected activity associated with the mobile device, such assuspending capture during undesired recording conditions such as poorlighting, rapid movement of the device, while particular functions arebeing performed by the mobile device (e.g., during internet surfing,during a voice call or during resource intensive functions beingperformed by the mobile device). Some of the recording limitations canbe based on a detection of device location, movement or orientation,such as detecting that the device is orientated flatly on a table socapturing images would be futile.

Other recording limitations can be associated with storage of thecaptured content, such as providing a storage threshold which whensatisfied causes commencement of deleting or archiving of the storedcaptured content. Other recording limitations can be associated with howdeleting is to be performed, such as deleting content from oldest tonewest, deleting content based on size of the content file, or deletingevery other image from the content. Other recording limitations can beassociated with how archiving is to be performed, such as removingoldest content and sending to a particular remote storage device. Therecording limitations can be based on various factors, such as userinput, user preferences (e.g., taken from a device profile or subscriberinformation), and/or monitored user behavior (e.g., identifying that auser typically saves older images that were manually captured to apersonal computer after two days and utilizing that monitoredinformation as a guideline so that once the device memory threshold hasbeen reached or once two days has past, the stored content is removedfrom the device memory and sent to the personal computer for storage).In one or more embodiments, the recording limitations can be dynamicwithout user intervention such as changing the rate of automaticallycapturing images based on a detection of low battery power. In anotherembodiment, the recording limitations can be adjusted based oninformation received from a remote source, such as a request to increasethe rate of image capture that is multicast or otherwise received by agroup of devices from a remote server where the remote server detectsthat the group of devices are in a geographic zone where a vehicle maybe driving through. Such a request can be accepted and performedautomatically or can be performed subject to user approval at theparticular mobile device.

At 306, first analysis criteria can be received by the one or morecommunication devices to enable these device to perform patternrecognition on their own stored content to identify any target contentthat matches or is otherwise relevant to the analysis criteria. Thecriteria can be in various formats or combination of formats including adescription such as a text message, sample image, or sample audio. Inone embodiment, different devices can receive different criteria forperforming their pattern recognition analysis. The different criteriacan be based on different device locations or other factors, such asdifferent device capabilities. As an example, a first set of devicesthat have captured image content may receive a sample image as the firstanalysis criteria while a second set of devices that have captured audiorecordings may receive a sample audio.

At 308, the one or more communication devices can individually performpattern recognition analysis on each of their own stored content basedon the received first analysis criteria. In one embodiment at 310, atleast one of the one or more communication devices can determine asecond analysis criteria based on its own pattern recognition analysis.The second analysis criteria can be in various forms including adescription, a sample image and/or a sample audio. As an example, amobile communication device can identify a target image from its ownstored content that satisfies the first analysis criteria and candetermine the second analysis criteria based on the target image, suchas generating a description of the target image or using all or aportion of the target image as a sample image. At 312, the device thathas generated the second analysis criteria can distribute the criteriato other devices so that the other devices can perform their own patternrecognition. The distribution of the second analysis criteria can be viaa remote server or shared directly between the group of communicationdevices (e.g., via peer-to-peer communication).

In one embodiment at 314, a plurality of target content can beidentified by a communication device based on the analysis criteria. Ascore can be determined for each piece of target content. The score canbe an accuracy score based on a number of factors, such as quality ofcontent, proximity to the event, and so forth. At 318, the targetcontent can be distributed, such as to the remote server or to othermobile devices (as additional analysis criteria), in a distributionorder based on the determined score. This example can facilitate moreefficiently identifying target content that includes the best depictionsof the event by focusing the pattern recognition or other analysis onthe content which is estimated to best represent the event.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. For example, the remote server canidentify a group of communication devices that are all automaticallycapturing content and can select a subset of the group based on variousfactors, such as device location, device capabilities, device storagecapacity and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the target imagesand/or other target content that matches the search criteria can beaggregated to generate a composite or mosaic of the event. In oneexample, a group of target images from different camera angles can beutilized to generate a three dimensional image of the event. In anotherembodiment, a two dimensional or three dimensional image that isgenerated from the target image can be spliced or otherwise integratedwith audio target content. Other embodiments are contemplated by thesubject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

The exemplary embodiments can involve software, either as part of asmart phone's operating system or as an add-on application. Suchfunctionality can allow a user to start and stop automatic collection ofcontent, schedule run times, and/or set a maximum amount of memory to beutilized. When collection is occurring, time-stamped captures can fillup the memory allocation until full, after which the functionality canoverwrite the memory, such as the oldest captured imagery and/or audio.The application can also allow the user to search back through recordedaudio, video, and/or still imagery in order to locate information ofinterest. This searching can also occur automatically using a set ofsearch criteria presented to the search functionality. This could bemanually created by a user or could be downloaded to the mobile devicefrom an authorized agent or party via wireless connectivity. Such searchcriteria could include license plate information, a description of avehicle, a photograph, or a sample of audio. In one or more embodiments,the user of the mobile device can enable or otherwise authorize anotherentity to send search criteria to their device which then uses a similarapplication to search the archive of audio, video and/or still imageryto find a match. Matched content could be returned to the authorizedentity either automatically or only after confirmation by the deviceowner. Image or audio comparison on a group of mobile device can beperformed in parallel with match results sent back to a requestor.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 400for delivering media content and distributing analysis criteria so thatautomatically captured content can be systematically analyzed based onpattern recognition. System 400 can detect an event, access locationinformation for a group of mobile and/or fixed communication devicesthat are each automatically capturing images, identify a subset of thegroup of mobile communication devices that are in proximity to the eventbased on the location information, and provide first image analysiscriteria to the subset of the group of mobile communication deviceswithout providing the first image analysis criteria to remaining devicesof the group of mobile communication devices, where the first imageanalysis criteria includes first characteristics associated with anobject. System 400 can also receive a first target image that includesthe object from a first mobile communication device of the subset of thegroup of mobile communication devices, where the first target image isselected by the first mobile communication device from among a pluralityof images captured by the first mobile communication device based onfirst image pattern recognition performed by the first mobilecommunication device utilizing the first image analysis criteria. System400 can determine second image analysis criteria from the first targetimage, where the second image analysis criteria includes secondcharacteristics associated with the object. System 400 can provide thesecond image analysis criteria to the subset of the group of mobilecommunication devices to enable the subset of the group of mobilecommunication devices to perform second image pattern recognition on theimages according to the second image analysis criteria to identify asecond target image that includes the object.

The communication system 400 can represent an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) media system. The IPTV media system can include asuper head-end office (SHO) 410 with at least one super headend officeserver (SHS) 411 which receives media content from satellite and/orterrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media contentcan represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still imagecontent, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 411 can forwardpackets associated with the media content to one or more video head-endservers (VHS) 414 via a network of video head-end offices (VHO) 412according to a multicast communication protocol.

The VHS 414 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an accessnetwork 418 to commercial and/or residential buildings 402 housing agateway 404 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The accessnetwork 418 can represent a group of digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service areainterface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links orcopper twisted pairs 419 to buildings 402. The gateway 404 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 406 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 408 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 407 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 404, the media processors 406, and media devices 408 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other present ornext generation local or personal area wireless network technologies. Byway of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 406 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 429 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 4. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 400. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 415 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 431 coupled to thebuilding 402. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver431 can be transferred to the media processors 406 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 408. The media processors 406 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 432 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 433 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system400. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 433 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services.

It is contemplated that the subject disclosure can apply to otherpresent or next generation over-the-air and/or landline media contentservices system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 430, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 432 towireline media devices 408 or wireless communication devices 416.

Communication system 400 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 430 to function as a remote server for receivingtarget content that matches search criteria (herein referred to asserver 430). The server 430 can use computing and communicationtechnology to perform function 461, which can perform among things,selecting a subset of communication devices to receive content analysiscriteria and transmitting the criteria to the subset of devices so thatthose devices can individually perform pattern recognition on their ownautomatically stored content. The media processors 406 and wirelesscommunication devices 416 can be provisioned with software functions 462and 463, respectively, to utilize the services of server 430. Function462 can include receiving automatically collected content from mobiledevice 416 for archiving purposes. Function 463 can includeautomatically capturing content (e.g., image, video and/or audiocontent) subject to recording limitations and performing patternrecognition analysis based on criteria received from server 430 and/orreceived from other sources, including other mobile devices.

It is further contemplated that multiple forms of media services can beoffered to media devices over landline technologies such as thosedescribed above. Additionally, media services can be offered to mediadevices by way of a wireless access base station 417 operating accordingto common wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile orGSM, Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division MultipleAccess or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, Worldinteroperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR,Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next generationwide area wireless access network technologies are contemplated by thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 500employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 500 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith communication system 100 as another representative embodiment ofcommunication system 100. System 500 can enable capturing first imagesautomatically subject to recording limitations designated based on userinput, where the first mobile communication device is of a group ofmobile communication devices. System 500 enables receiving first imageanalysis criteria including first characteristics associated with anobject, wherein the first image analysis criteria comprises textdescribing the first characteristics associated with the object withoutproviding an image sample of the object, where the first image analysiscriteria is received from a remote server that provides the first imageanalysis criteria to a subset of the group of mobile communicationdevices without providing the first image analysis criteria to remainingdevices of the group of mobile communication devices, wherein the subsetincludes the first mobile communication device. System 500 enablesapplying image pattern recognition to the first images according to thefirst image analysis criteria to identify a first target image thatincludes the object. System 500 enables determining second imageanalysis criteria from the first target image, where the second imageanalysis criteria includes second characteristics associated with theobject, and where the second image analysis criteria comprises the imagesample of the object. System 500 enables providing the second imageanalysis criteria to a second mobile communication device to enable thesecond mobile communication device to perform image pattern recognitionon images captured by the second mobile communication device accordingto the second image analysis criteria to identify a second target imagethat includes the object.

Communication system 500 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)540, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 530, and other networkelements of an IMS network 550. The IMS network 550 can establishcommunications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs) 501,502, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs 503, 505, andcombinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)520 coupled to a PSTN network 560. The MGCF 520 need not be used when acommunication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. Acommunication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize theMGCF 520.

IMS CDs 501, 502 can register with the IMS network 550 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a ServingCSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS 540. To initiate acommunication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD 501 can submita Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originatingP-CSCF 504 which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF506. The originating S-CSCF 506 can submit the SIP INVITE message to oneor more application servers (ASs) 517 that can provide a variety ofservices to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers 517 can be used to performoriginating call feature treatment functions on the calling party numberreceived by the originating S-CSCF 506 in the SIP INVITE message.Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, call IDblocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requestingspecial telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel callforwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initialfilter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, oneor more application servers may be invoked to provide various calloriginating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 506 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 530 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITEmessage to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 507 to submit a query to the HSS 540 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 514 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 502. Once identified, the I-CSCF 507 can submit theSIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF 514. The terminating S-CSCF514 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 516 associated with theterminating CD 502. The P-CSCF 516 may then signal the CD 502 toestablish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services,thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voiceand/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various callterminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb,music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 2 may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communicationsystem 500 can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition,communication system 500 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs 501, 502with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system 400 ofFIG. 4.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD503 or CD 505 (in instances where the cellular phone only supportscircuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system 530 can respondwith an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originatingS-CSCF 506 to forward the call to the MGCF 520 via a Breakout GatewayControl Function (BGCF) 519. The MGCF 520 can then initiate the call tothe terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network 560 to enable the callingand called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 5 can operate as wirelineor wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 5 can becommunicatively coupled to a cellular base station 521, a femtocell, aWiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) baseunit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establishcommunications with the IMS network 550 of FIG. 5. The cellular accessbase station 521 can operate according to common wireless accessprotocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on.Other present and next generation wireless network technologies arecontemplated by the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple wirelineand wireless communication technologies are contemplated for the CDs ofFIG. 5.

It is further contemplated that cellular phones supporting LTE cansupport packet-switched voice and packet-switched data communicationsand thus may operate as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In thisembodiment, the cellular base station 521 may communicate directly withthe IMS network 550 as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular basestation 521 and the P-CSCF 516.

It is further understood that alternative forms of a CSCF can operate ina device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributedhardware and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as arespective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers, eithercentralized or distributed, where each computer or server may beconfigured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step,or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective CSCF.Likewise, other functions, servers and computers described herein,including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, andthe MGCF, can be embodied in a respective system having one or morecomputers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where eachcomputer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole orin part, any method, step, or functionality described herein inaccordance with a respective function, server, or computer.

The server 430 of FIG. 4 can be operably coupled to the secondcommunication system 500 for purposes similar to those described above.It is further contemplated by the subject disclosure that server 430 canperform function 461 and thereby provide analysis criteria services tothe CDs 501, 502, 503 and 505 of FIG. 5. CDs 501, 502, 503 and 505,which can be adapted with software to perform function 463 to utilizethe services of the widget 430. It is further contemplated that theserver 430 can be an integral part of the application server(s) 517performing function 461.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and soon, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subjectdisclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that anyform of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commandsare terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may bedescribed in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3rd GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or allembodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify,supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards publishedand promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 600.Communication device 600 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5. Inone embodiment, device 600 can capture first images, wherein thecapturing is performed automatically by the device subject to recordinglimitations designated based on user input, where a second mobilecommunication device of a group of mobile communication devicesautomatically captures second images. The device 600 can receive firstimage analysis criteria including first characteristics associated withan object, where the first image analysis criteria is received from aremote server that provides the first image analysis criteria to asubset of the group of mobile communication devices without providingthe first image analysis criteria to remaining devices of the group ofmobile communication devices, and where the subset includes the firstand second mobile communication devices. The device 600 can apply imagepattern recognition to the first images according to the first imageanalysis criteria to identify a first target image that includes theobject. The device 600 can determine second image analysis criteria fromthe first target image, wherein the second image analysis criteriaincludes second characteristics associated with the object. The device600 can provide the second image analysis criteria to the second mobilecommunication device to enable the second mobile communication device toperform image pattern recognition on the second images according to thesecond image analysis criteria to identify a second target image thatincludes the object.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellulartechnologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS,TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generationwireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver 602can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input (e.g., touch of a user's finger). Asa touch screen display, the communication device 600 can be adapted topresent a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elementsthat can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger. The touchscreen display 610 can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or otherforms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a user'sfinger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. Thissensing information can be used control the manipulation of the GUIelements. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes commonaudio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heardonly in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such asspeakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system 612 can furtherinclude a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. Theaudio system 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications.The UI 604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a chargedcoupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, thecharging system can utilize external power sources such as DC powersupplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitabletethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize common location technology such asa global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wirelessaccess points by common sensing techniques such as utilizing a receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA)or time of flight (TOF). The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 100.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 are contemplated by the subjectdisclosure. For instance, the communication device 600 can include areset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset thecontroller 606 of the communication device 600. In yet anotherembodiment, the communication device 600 can also include a factorydefault setting button positioned below a small hole in a housingassembly of the communication device 600 to force the communicationdevice 600 to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a usercan use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reachinto the hole and depress the default setting button.

The communication device 600 as described herein can operate with moreor less components described in FIG. 6 as depicted by the hash lines.These variant embodiments are contemplated by the subject disclosure.

The communication device 600 can be adapted to perform the functions ofany of the devices of FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5, including functions 461-463.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 700 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods discussed above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the mobile devices 110 and/or 120 to performpattern recognition on stored content to identify target contentassociated with received analysis criteria. One or more instances of themachine can operate, for example, as the remote server 150 or 430 foridentifying a group of communication devices that are automaticallycollecting content, identifying a subset of the devices such as based ondevice location, and distributing analysis criteria to the subset ofdevices so that the subset of devices can perform pattern recognition inan effort to capture target content that is associated with an event. Insome embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network)to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client user machine in server-client usernetwork environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 700 may include a processor (or controller) 702(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU,or both), a main memory 704 and a static memory 706, which communicatewith each other via a bus 708. The computer system 700 may furtherinclude a video display unit 710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD),a flat panel, or a solid state display. The computer system 700 mayinclude an input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device714 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 716, a signal generation device718 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device720.

The disk drive unit 716 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 722 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 724) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 724 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 704, the static memory 706, and/or within theprocessor 702 during execution thereof by the computer system 700. Themain memory 704 and the processor 702 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 622 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes memories, drives, devices andanything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) are contemplatedfor use by computer system 700.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,are contemplated by the subject disclosure.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing, by a processingsystem including a processor, first image analysis criteria to a firstmobile communication device to enable the first mobile communicationdevice to perform a first analysis of first image content stored at thefirst mobile communication device, wherein the first mobilecommunication device is selected according to a location associated withan event, wherein the first image analysis criteria include firstcharacteristics associated with the event; receiving, by the processingsystem, second image analysis criteria from the first mobilecommunication device, wherein the second image analysis criteria aredetermined based on the first analysis; receiving, by the processingsystem, target content from the first mobile communication device, thetarget content satisfying the first image analysis criteria; andproviding, by the processing system, the second image analysis criteriaand the target content to a second mobile communication device to enablethe second mobile communication device to perform a second analysis ofsecond image content stored at the second mobile communication device,wherein the first image analysis criteria and the second image analysiscriteria are based on capabilities of the first mobile communicationdevice and the second mobile communication device respectively, thecapabilities comprising an audio content capture capability, a videocontent capture capability, a content capture schedule, or combinationsthereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the target content comprisesa target image identified from the first image content using imagepattern recognition.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:receiving, by the processing system, an accuracy score for the targetimage generated by the first mobile communication device, the accuracyscore indicating a degree of satisfaction of the first image analysiscriteria.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the accuracy score for thetarget image is provided to the second mobile communication device. 5.The method of claim 3, wherein a plurality of target images are receivedin an order based on the accuracy score of each of the plurality oftarget images.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second imageanalysis criteria comprise second characteristics associated with theevent.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a subset of the first imageanalysis criteria are distributed to each of a first plurality of mobilecommunication devices within a threshold distance from the event, inaccordance with respective device capabilities of each of the firstplurality of mobile communication devices.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein a subset of the second image analysis criteria and a subset ofthe target content are distributed to each of a second plurality ofmobile communication devices in communication with the processingsystem, in accordance with respective device capabilities of each of thesecond plurality of mobile communication devices.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein the first image analysis criteria comprise a description ofthe event, a sample image, or combinations thereof.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first image content and the second image contentcomprise content captured by the first mobile communication device andthe second mobile communication device respectively.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the captured content comprises still images, videocontent, audio/video content, or combinations thereof.
 12. A devicecomprising: a processing system including a processor; and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations comprising: providing firstimage analysis criteria to a first mobile communication device to enablethe first mobile communication device to perform a first analysis offirst image content stored at the first mobile communication device,wherein the first mobile communication device is selected according to alocation associated with an event, wherein the first image analysiscriteria include first characteristics associated with the event;receiving second image analysis criteria from the first mobilecommunication device, wherein the second image analysis criteria aredetermined based on the first analysis; receiving a target image fromthe first mobile communication device, wherein the target image isidentified from the first image content using image pattern recognitionand satisfies the first image analysis criteria; and providing thesecond image analysis criteria and the target image to a second mobilecommunication device to enable the second mobile communication device toperform a second analysis of second image content stored at the secondmobile communication device, wherein the first image analysis criteriaand the second image analysis criteria are based on capabilities of thefirst mobile communication device and the second mobile communicationdevice respectively.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein thecapabilities comprise an audio content capture capability, a videocontent capture capability, a content capture schedule, or combinationsthereof.
 14. The device of claim 12, wherein a subset of the first imageanalysis criteria are distributed to each of a first plurality of mobilecommunication devices within a threshold distance from the event, inaccordance with respective device capabilities of each of the firstplurality of mobile communication devices.
 15. The device of claim 12,wherein a subset of the second image analysis criteria and the targetimage are distributed to each of a second plurality of mobilecommunication devices in communication with the processing system, inaccordance with respective device capabilities of each of the secondplurality of mobile communication devices.
 16. The device of claim 12,wherein the first image content and the second image content comprisecontent captured by the first mobile communication device and the secondmobile communication device respectively.
 17. A machine-readable storagemedium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations comprising: providing first image analysis criteria to afirst mobile communication device to enable the first mobilecommunication device to perform a first analysis of first image contentstored at the first mobile communication device, wherein the firstmobile communication device is selected according to a locationassociated with an event, wherein the first image analysis criteriainclude first characteristics associated with the event; receivingsecond image analysis criteria from the first mobile communicationdevice, wherein the second image analysis criteria are determined basedon the first analysis; receiving target content from the first mobilecommunication device, the target content satisfying the first imageanalysis criteria; and providing the second image analysis criteria andthe target content to a second mobile communication device to enable thesecond mobile communication device to perform a second analysis ofsecond image content stored at the second mobile communication device,wherein the first image analysis criteria and the second image analysiscriteria are based on capabilities of the first mobile communicationdevice and the second mobile communication device respectively.
 18. Themachine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein a subset of thefirst image analysis criteria are distributed to each of a firstplurality of mobile communication devices within a threshold distancefrom the event, in accordance with respective device capabilities ofeach of the first plurality of mobile communication devices.
 19. Themachine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein a subset of thesecond image analysis criteria and a subset of the target content aredistributed to each of a second plurality of mobile communicationdevices in communication with the processing system, in accordance withrespective device capabilities of each of the second plurality of mobilecommunication devices.
 20. The machine-readable storage medium of claim17, wherein the first image content and the second image contentcomprise content captured by the first mobile communication device andthe second mobile communication device respectively.